Community in Full Color: Donor Recognition at Mundelein’s Inclusive Playground
A Playground Built on Generosity
In Mundelein, Illinois, a vision for community came to life in the form of a new playground at Kracklauer Park. This wasn’t just any playground – it was designed to be inclusive, a place where every child, regardless of ability, could belong. That same spirit of inclusion extended into how the community chose to recognize the generosity that made the project possible.
The Mundelein Park & Recreation District, with JSD Professional Services, Inc. as a project partner, engaged Partners In Recognition to design a donor recognition feature that is as colorful and welcoming as the playground itself. More than a display, it serves as a statement: generosity and inclusivity are cornerstones of this community.
Recognition That Reflects the Mission
The donor wall stretches across a 126-foot curved concrete wall at the park. Oversized steel letters, finished in bright aqua, rise above the feature spelling out “AN INCLUSIVE SPACE FOR ALL!” – the project’s guiding principle made visible for all who visit.
Below the letters, colorful composite donor plates fill the wall with names and logos of those who contributed. These plates, ranging in size from 6 to 12 inches, are printed in coordinated shades of orange, purple, aqua, blue, and green. Every plate honors a contribution, while collectively they bring energy and vibrancy to the wall.
To ensure harmony between the recognition feature and the playground design, each plate color was carefully matched to surrounding play structures. Donor logos, many unique in style, were adjusted one by one so that each remained clear and prominent against its background.
Designing for Inclusion
Inclusivity wasn’t just a theme; it was built directly into the design. Silhouettes of children at play animate the display, with figures running, jumping, and swinging. Importantly, the silhouettes also include children using mobility devices and wheelchairs. These additions were made at the client’s request and serve as a visual reinforcement that Kracklauer Park is truly for everyone.
By incorporating these figures, the display ensures that every child in Mundelein can see themselves reflected in the playground. The recognition wall doesn’t just acknowledge donors – it celebrates the idea that every member of the community matters.
Built to Endure Outdoors
As with any outdoor installation, durability was essential. The donor plates are fabricated from composite materials and mounted securely to the curved wall with studs and adhesive. Their size and finish were chosen to withstand weather and time while maintaining the bright colors that make the wall so eye-catching.
The steel letters above serve as both a headline and a lasting anchor for the display. Visible from across the park, they ensure that the wall makes an immediate impression on visitors, drawing them in to explore the names and organizations represented.
From Vision to Ribbon Cutting
The design evolved through several rounds of collaboration, adjusting plate sizes, colors, and logos to balance clarity with visual appeal. By 2025, the final display was ready – unveiled with the ribbon cutting of the inclusive playground, a celebration shared by families, donors, and community leaders alike. Photos from the event, including families and community leaders celebrating the inclusive space, can be viewed in their Flickr album.
A Lasting Community Statement
The Kracklauer Park donor wall is more than recognition. It’s a reflection of values – generosity, collaboration, and inclusivity – made permanent in steel and color. It celebrates those who gave, but it also welcomes every child who will play in the park for years to come.
You can read more about the celebration in the Mundelein Park & Recreation District’s ribbon-cutting announcement.
For additional inspiration, explore our Outdoor Displays portfolio.
Ready to explore recognition possibilities for your own outdoor space? Partners In Recognition can help bring your vision to life!